EPISODE 223: ARDENT OF THE END 2

— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR: 7292. SEASON: NEW BEGINNING.

Minerva withdrew the moment the atmosphere grew heavier. A conversation she could not be included in took place as the owl flew from the room. Some things needed to get done. Things that Lawruthian wanted to put into motion—things that only she could ensure followed his vision.

The moment she left the room a waiting maid stepped forward. Minerva chirped and flew over to Kathrine, landing on her outstretched arm. "I have a meeting with General Ameri and Alexandria in TenTen Parlor. Can you take me there Kathrine?"

"Of course Your Highness."

As they passed through the busy palace halls, vibrant energy seemed to be in every person's step. Their heads were held high, their backs straight, and it was clear that new life seemed to be bred into them. Minerva looked through the windows, and her red-gold eyes saw what appeared to be a second sun. Kathrine followed her gaze, the same pep in her step.

"The (Ever-Burning Flame) seems to have invigorated all the magi and magic underneath its light," Kathrine chuckled. "I feel not just lighter but I feel like I can achieve so much! Everyone I've spoken to seems to agree. The changes to Great Edryan are bountiful, praise be to Her Three Faces and [Chosen]."

Minerva chirped in agreement, her voice light as she spoke. "There are several buffs that are adding additional multipliers when conjoined. This is what Lawruthian fought for and the reason he wanted the Golden Age to be delayed. The new headquarters of the Overseer, Bellum, and Justiciary have vastly improved yet the amount of [Workers] and golems working on the projects haven't increased. New Rail Systems are not far from completion to the closest cities near Edrya."

The horned owl sighed in contentment. Minerva's worry about Lawruthian's state disappeared shortly as the nation rapidly changed before her eyes. That surging vitality it gathered over the years seemed to finally be released in one positive outburst. Yet, her thoughts drifted to the final piece of the puzzle, to Rasheed who all but gifted the final features of this age…

"Ardent of the End is our final hope of a… least bloody resolution," Minerva chirped. Her gaze settled on both General Ameri and Alexandria as they settled into Tenten Parlor.

Both women were out of their uniforms. They sat comfortably on a couch, while Minerva remained on a perch placed before them. As the sun set and the night rose, the city sparkled like the stars in the sky above.

Ameri frowned. The older general's muscular arms were folded across her chest, and her dreadlocks were loosely braided into a single giant braid. "So… you're telling me that…" her frown deepened, and her voice trailed off.

"…he wants to propose a unified nation of Elrunian," Alexandria picked up, her voice questioning if what she even said was correct.

"Operation SAFE: Sovereignty And Federal Enterprise isn't just a proposition for a unified nation, it's a chance to create a ruling council of mortals that can communicate their desires with the Gods—to put us on equal playing fields," Minerva sighed. She understood just how… ridiculous her words sounded.

"That's stupid," Ameri waved her hand.

"That will never work," Alexandria shook her head.

Both ladies spoke at the same time and turned to each other to share a smile. What Minerva suggested, at least what Lawruthian intended to invite the respective country leaders, all fifty-eight of them, to Edryan and discuss a unified merger of their states.

"The Edryans are hated—we're not even seen as second-class citizens the second we step outside of the Warring Beastman Plains. We're commodities in best cases," Ameri sneered, her voice harsh but truthful. "…and less than slaves in others. Do you know how valuable our crystal hearts are? Not in a black market, but sold openly to their mages and whatnot. The only positive is it's hard to distinguish us from humans until the gnomes created the [Magi-Heart Detector]."

"It may work with the Federation, and the states lower than us, they're effectively cut off through land by Edryan but… after," Alexandria shook her head. "Ameri is correct, magi are not respected, instead we are shunned, and viewed as warmongers and inferior byproducts of True Elves."

Minerva smiled sadly and her gaze turned to the bustling city that seemed, even in the depths of night, to never stop moving. "We have to try."

Her voice was quiet, yet still heard by the two women. "We have to try—even if it fails, we can justify it… Lawruthian… he can justify the weapons he's creating… and the destruction he shall bring."

"Minerva, I know Lawruthian is…," Alexandria paused, looking for an apt term to use regarding her lord. "… a hopeful idealist—believing that there are methods that don't involve killing or war. But, that… is… not… this… world." Her gaze was soft and her final words gentle as she too gazed outward toward Edrya. "Lawruthian sees them, their individual faces—they aren't just soldiers to him but men and women with stories, with families, and more. But, he doesn't see that they are more than willing to perish for him, honored even to be the blood that fills his ink well so that he may charter another journey on his Path. There is no point in Operation SAFE, it will only cause Edryan, cause him to appear a fool when none show."

"That is a risk he is willing to take."

Ameri followed Minerva's gaze, her view different, not on the endless lights that looked like stars. It landed on the (Ever-Burning Flame), a large ball of mana so concentrated it became visible. Mana's natural state was one that usually was unseen unless by those who used skills to view a state of reality outside the normal light spectrums saphen eyes could pick up. Something like that could be converted into a weapon should the unattributed mana become fire mana or another destructive type of mana. Yet it floated there in the air for all to access, unrestrained, free . There was a price paid for its acquisition, one that she didn't understand. The Potential, the Sol of realities was taken and absorbed. Then, the memories of their failure were gifted back to them so that they would know to never make a mistake like such again.

…

It pissed her off.

…

Her weakness that is.

She discarded those thoughts and focused on the now.

Ameri sighed and her next words seemed to invigorate the owl of endless wisdom. "You're right—both of you"

Alexandria raised an eyebrow at Ameri not expecting the older woman to agree with both parties. The larger woman leaned forward and placed her chin on her interlocked fingers as she continued to stare outside.

"We should push this forward," Ameri looked toward Alexandria and winked. She then turned a serious gaze to Minerva. "I will be honest, this will not work. It will embarrass not just Lawruthian but also Edryan—I am only agreeing as it can be used as further motivation for when we conquer their lands."

Minerva hooted and shook her head. "Thank you for your honesty."

She returned her gaze to the outside, the conversation over but the voice of Ameri interrupted her new blooming thoughts.

"The… Little Greats," Ameri grimaced at the name. "…are looking for their place in the Monarchy Branch. What plans or ideals did Lawruthian have for them?"

"Their tiered citizenship allows them to be in charge of several roles, Lawruthian would have allowed them to pick… but, if you have something better in mind," Minerva shrugged and waved a wing.

"Then, allow us to draft a proposal and expand their roles in the Imperius Army, some are more suited to… auxiliary roles."

Minerva waved a wing in acknowledgment and the three said their goodbyes. A day and night passed and Minerva found herself on a train. A valley with balls of light floating in the air like celestial bodies reflected off her gaze as the train came to a halt. A contingency of guards escorted her as she entered Starglow Valley. The small city was beautiful, its appearance made one feel like they resided in the night sky itself. Mage towers littered both inner and outer regions like skyscrapers placed among the stars. There was a charged energy in the city although it didn't hold an (Ever-Burning Flame) other buffs of the [Golden Age] affected it all the same.

Minerva marveled at the stars. Their first visit to the valley had been under… strained circumstances, which had prevented her from appreciating its beauty. Now, as Minerva entered under the escort of maids and guards, she continued to gaze at all the wonders of the small city.

The floating stars were far from Starglow Valley's only marvels. The [Spatial Mages] and far-reaching classes had shaped the city into a…

"…world within itself," Minerva whispered. "It looks like a world within a world. The [Mage Towers] seem like separate spaces woven together like fabrics in a patchwork quilt."

"That description is an apt term," a mature, feminine voice responded. "Good evening…," the voice hesitated, unsure of how to address Minerva.

"You may call me Minerva, or if that is uncomfortable to you, then address me as Your Highness," Minerva turned to the figure that simply teleported right outside her guards. "I am the [Chosen's Representative] while he undergoes an inheritance."

Minerva studied Laia Volkensha, Thraag Volkensha's adopted daughter. She wore triangular glasses, which weren't meant to enhance her vision but served as a runic device. This was the woman who received the |Space| Touch of Law, which could enable her to become a demigoddess. In preparation for her visit, Minerva had read the documents on her and the events that occurred after Starglow Valley.

Laia Volkensha stood at 153 centimeters and wore long off-black traditional robes of a mage. The only exception to her outfit was that it was tailored to suit one of her elemental attributes and held materials that would boost such. ‎

"Well met young Minerva, I am Laia Volkensha," Laia offered a slight bow as her measured voice introduced herself. "Your guide and primary source of contact to ensure we of the valley are closely following the intentions of His Highness. I pray his inheritance undergoes a smooth process, the class-line he must be inheriting must be worthy of one who slayed the [Final Dragon]."

Minerva simply nodded, not ordaining a response to Laia's fish for information. What Lawruthian was undergoing was only known by ten sols, Minerva included. The transferring was done completely by the [Path Walkers] and only Lawruthian's generals were informed as to keep them stabilized. No one else, no matter how important was told what truly happened to the [Chosen of Madris].

"Well then, allow me to introduce you to the areas of importance to the city and valley itself," Laia began to float forward. The power of space she controlled seemed to be just another functional limb of the woman. "Starglow Valley itself serves as a reflection of what a piece of the stars above may look like. Each of her mage towers has a dimension around it that the [Tower Master] controls."

Minerva listened. She'd always been curious about one of the most private cities in the Edryan lands. As they moved forward, she noticed the small population walking through the streets. Many gazed at small pocket watches or the larger clocks that seemed to be present at every corner.

Laia noticed the owl's stare and smiled. "We should hurry to one of the buildings," Laia gestured. "Rather than explain, it's best we allow you to experience it for yourself."

The weapons of the guards rustled at Laia's words but Minerva waved a wing. She was curious and felt no hostility from Laia. And, from the actions of the people, it seemed what was going to occur was a commonplace activity. The large group hurried into a cafe, one that Minerva recognized as a subsidiary of LSG. She let off an owl-like smile as the group of customers already within surveyed the newcomers. They didn't seem bothered by the large armed presence but more curious overall.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Laia removed a watch from one of the folds of her robe that concealed a pocket. She flipped it open, carefully studying the seconds of the mechanical [Tinker] device before she flipped it to a close. "It's starting," she warned.

Minerva gazed outside the large clear windows as did many of the people who accompanied her. The city, which had been quiet since their arrival, suddenly made a sound.

ZMMMOOOOPH!

Minerva felt her feathers stand on end as a charged feeling entered the air, and then as one, the many mage towers and sections of the city began to shift. It was like puzzle pieces being taken apart and then rearranged to fit a certain pattern. Huge swaths of squared ground with their respective buildings on them moved through the air before plopping down in a once previously occupied spot. The very dimensions that surrounded each of the mage towers were easily lifted and then moved to another location like planets that orbited a star.

"This is…," Minerva uttered, shocked as the very area they were in began to shift.

"…another of the reasons my father is known as [Dimension Shaper]," Laia picked up, a small smile on her face. The smile quickly disappeared and a morose look flashed in Laia's eyes. She quietly placed a hand on her chest, pushing past her breast until she touched ribcage—until she touched the metaphysical area the [Touch of Space] was stationed. Her father had returned a changed man once released from the dungeons of Edrya. His strength remained but the same Intent, ambition , it… was passed on. It was an inheritance she didn't know if she was ready to receive.

"This is Starglow Valley—where the most valuable [Mages] in Edryan, Great Edryan—neigh—this is where the most valuable [Mages] of the world reside," Laia stated with a firm conviction. That was her father's dream. One she intended to see completed. She looked to the sky, eyes gazing past the blue and into the black. Laia's eyes seemed to reflect the new constellations that resided above Edryan lands.

A Pantheon.

This was a [Golden Age], Titled: Advent of the End. Perhaps Laia didn't understand the full implications behind the title of the age, perhaps no one in Edryan truly did. But, the title told many people in Edrya that an end of times was arriving. And, only those with the flame of ambition would rise to reach that end and go even further beyond.

Slowly, the city resumed its stability. A new layout was presented, and Laia escorted the group deeper into it. As she did so, the powerful mage explained more of the small city's intricacies.

"The city holds a monthly competition. Two hundred ninety-nine towers are allocated the spots where the mana concentration of the city is the greatest…," Laia waved her hands as she spoke gesturing toward certain towers and the students who now hurriedly moved from one to another. "…their monthly resources are increased, and a choice of new incoming disciples. The competition is fierce with three divisions of tower and tower masters. However, we are in the process of discussing things with those in charge of Imperius College and Academy to help… formulate a more… systematic approach to better integrate with them."

Minerva heard the consternation in Laia's voice as she spoke of a more systematic approach. Most Edryan schools, whether they were knight orders or simple trades worked on a master-disciple relationship. It wasn't a one-to-one basis, but more or less a school of thought or ideals started by the head mage or in Starglow's Valley's case, a [Tower Master]. They, alongside senior members of the tower, would instill their way of life, beliefs , into students to carry on their legacy. Some did have closer one-to-one relationships depending on the talent of the individual. This was how affiliations and factions allowed those to share the same or similar classes.

The Imperius Academy destroyed that belief, completely negating the idea of one-to-one into a systematic approach with a class-based structure. Whether this way was right or wrong would only be told with time.

…

Winners wrote history.

…

"How often are disciples with suitable qualities found," Minerva chirped, choosing to slightly change the subject. "And how do the rankings of the towers work?"

Laia paused and gestured to three distinct-looking towers. Minerva was reminded of a child's tale from Earth as each seemed to be made with better materials and able to withstand more than the last. "That first tower, the one made of grey stone is the tower of a young [Tower Master]. He'll range in between a [Gold Mage] and early [Platinum Mage] and will compete with another hundred of the same quality of the first tier. It is through disciples' skill, ideology battles, and more that these rankings shift. Although battling is a bit rarer as many are more [Artisan] inclined than [Warrior] inclined. And, new disciples are brought in monthly."

Minerva nodded in understanding. The levels would range between 100 and 170. The competition between the lower half must be fierce while the upper half would probably be looking for a way to advance.

Laia continued her explanation, gesturing toward the second tower. "The second tier is where competition is the fiercest—these days [Tower Masters] range from mid platinum to just past its last stage. While the third tier is where more legacy mages reside. As you know, the rate of those leveling past two hundred becomes increasingly harder. My father has been stuck in the mid-200s because of this. Yet any major breakthrough in a research topic will grant us multiple levels but not enough for that ultimate goal," Laia looked to the sky as she finished.

"It is a wonder that Edryan managed to produce four after several hundred years of none reaching that point," Laia added, looking back toward Minerva.

"The circumstances that allowed the Queen and other members of the Six Great Houses to evolve past the mortal realm are a special case that will never be repeated, however, I have faith that we will find a way—that His Highness will show us a new path," Minerva responded cordially.

"None would wish to see the circumstances that allowed the rise of the [Iron-Blooded Queen] to be repeated," Laia politely responded. "Allow me to take you to my tower where we can discuss more of what His Highness Lawruthian is looking for us to achieve."

Minerva found themselves moving through the dark city, the lights of stars the only thing guiding the way. It wasn't that the sun didn't shine in Starglow Valley, but its light was severely dimmed due to the valley's special nature.

Laia's tower was located in the core of the city. Its impressive height of 220 meters showed the strength of the woman. It was a void black, nearly blending in with the space, yet only a bend in the space revealed that the tower stood in place. High walls surrounded the tower, and small balls in the valley floated around it. At the tower's height was a spherical orb that seemed to further bend the light.

Minerva's eyes narrowed. "This tower is unique… how was its design structured?"

Laia smiled, a deep pride in her voice as she described her home. "Impressive isn't it? This is a culmination of my research. The stars above are not just the Gods' protection but it has long been theorized that they are truly physical bodies in the space between here and the Astral. Several types of these stars can be viewed here and in other regions of the sky—should we look far enough in a direction outside of Edryan territory, then we may see the constellation of other Gods, it is through this that we have come to categorize several types of stars. This… [Black Star], is a body that I discovered only it seems to bend light and not emit it. Should my research further progress and I discover more properties of this star, then perhaps I can break past level 200 and walk past my father."

Minerva gave the woman a polite nod. Her eyes once again flickered up. She had noticed each tower's top seemed to be unique and looked like the valley's namesake. It brought her surprise because she recognized several star categories from Earth. Now, she held a larger understanding of the valley and its inhabitants.

"I wish you well in your research, with greater cooperation between New America Research Center and Starglow Valley, I'm certain your research will come to fruition," Minerva responded.

Shortly, the horned owl found herself perched on a table as Laia sat across from her. Enough introductions of the valley had been given and it was time for the pair to get down to the reason for Minerva's visit.

"Tell me Laia, do you think the sky— space —is traversable," Minerva's red-gold eyes pierced into Laia's.

"Perhaps only by those who have reached demigod or [Prestige]—there is no air in space, nor is the environment suitable for mortals to thrive in. Many a mage of the valley has directly attempted to fly into the sky and break past the blue and into the black. Most attempts have failed," Laia responded cordially. It was a standard response of the valley when questioned about the possibility of such things.

Minerva shook her head, a frown on her bird-like features. "That is not what I asked. Do you , Laia, believe space is traversable?"

Laia inhaled lightly, her eyebrows scrunched inward. "Does this relate to the reason you've visited us with the seal of His Highness?"

"Yes, you may think of me as His Highness Lawruthian himself present."

Laia's expression paused, her eyes narrowed ever so slightly before she returned to a neutral standpoint. Whatever she discovered was kept to herself. "I think space is traversable—it is the great divide between the mortals and Gods above. I believe should we break past a certain distance then we shall end up in the Astral Above."

"Why," Minerva cocked her head to the side in an owl-like manner.

"Since the revelation of all above two-hundred twenty are forced to travel to the Astral Above… ancient documents have been shared by the [Scholar's Abode] to various older Orders and academies," Laia spoke, unfazed by Minerva.

"The [Astral Revelation] they held at the start of the new year?"

Laia nodded. "Documents concerning exactly how those who journey to Mr. Redcoomshi travel to the Astral Above were specifically shared later with Starglow Valley has given me new insight on the space between realms."

Minerva nodded. "I understand."

The [Astral Revelation] was a meeting hosted by the [Scholar's Abode] at the start of the new year. They'd dug up old documents regarding the announcement of the monarchy through Ariena Drumian further confirming her words.

"I am here today to discuss Operation: SAFE—Spatial Transit And Research. His Highness wishes to construct… vehicles that can move through space in low orbit, not to penetrate through it to the Astral Above although that is a further goal but primarily to help provide surveillance and reconnaissance," Minerva hooted, the bracelet around her left leg translating it into her feminine voice.

Laia's eyes widened… such a task was something many mages tried to do. Not reconnaissance but to just have devices in the space above for research and study. It was deemed an impossible goal as the magic would become unstable and more. She gently shook her head before speaking.

"It won't be possible. As I've stated, many mages of the valley and even beforehand have tried to penetrate the space above with no results to show it," Laia began. She opened her mouth to add more points but Minerva interrupted her.

"How many have had an unlimited budget and the backing of a [Chosen of Madris]? How many have tried to do things during an age where there is magic helping to guarantee success such as the (Magic Revolution) and the (Research Era)—now is the time to break the mold of older traditions of cannots and won'ts ."

Laia's body straightened and Minerva continued to speak.

"Operation STAR has four primary goals—low orbit satellites as I mentioned previously, vehicles that can sustain mortal life through space, new devices that expand the usage of the |Space| rune whether it be teleportation gates between cities or weapons of war, and to develop a new Demigoddess of Space. This is the [Golden Age: Ardent of the End]—a period I named and [Final Dragon] Rasheed coined. This is an age of possibilities, not impossibilities."

A book appeared in the space between the two women, or one woman and bird.

The Rocket Handbook was displayed in clear Edryan text—translated from another. Minerva nodded to it. Laia frowned, not sensing the opening or closing of a spatial device. For a mage of her caliber, she was far too attended to the element to not sense its use around her. However Minerva summoned this book, it was not through the spatial element.

Laia believed the bird was a familiar of Lawruthian's. The practice of taking on a familiar was frowned upon by the mages of Edryan. It was what the humans and other inferior races did—needing these creatures to help supplement their magical deficiencies. Now that belief had long since wavered and thus it left only a few other possibilities.

Laia reached out and placed thin fingers with void, black-painted nails on the book. She carefully opened it and began to read. Time passed without a word from the woman, and Minerva let out a satisfied owl smile. Only a jolt pulled Laia Volkensha out of her trance-like state as she received a notification.

Laia Volkensha has leveled up. Please assign the level to [Spatial Luminary], [Dimensional Walker], [Space Juggernaut].

Minerva left the valley visibly satisfied. The train began its journey to NARC, there was more knowledge of Earth Minerva would be decimating. Not far Laia Volkensha sat still engrossed in the book provided by the [Codex of Earth]

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